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Last time I remembered people tried to live stream something the union people got wind of it and demanded $3000 to hire a union worker to... stand around and do nothing? Though that was at the Civic Auditorium so YMMV.

The price changes depending on what is needed from the union workers, but "stand around and do nothing" is pretty inaccurate. "$3000 to do nothing" would stop anyone from streaming, though. :P

Will the concourse be there?  I found that I spent a lot of time there last year... making friends, checking out the awesome Cosplay, etcetera...

The "concourse" is the really long walkway on the first and second floor. I assume that you are talking about something more specific?

Ok. Good to know that something might come of this. Thanks for letting us know.
( On a side note, I was hoping the construction would be done for this year's con. )

You and all of the FanimeCon staff. ;)

No worries though as the convention center staff has been keeping us up-to-date with all the changes so that we don't have any sudden changes a week out or anything. We are excited about FanimeCon 2014, but we're going to push through and make 2013 the best we can!

Streaming video of the concourse would be awesome.

As a convention staffer, I would love nothing more than to stream all of our events (for free or for a cost to cover whatever it costs us). However, there are more than just technical difficulties in getting a stream.

yeah..about that...
I heard that some of the rovers complained to the guests that most of the wifi spots are not for the guests! and ask NOT TO log in to the network!

if you want to go for a free wifi, they continued saying Gaming room!

when we enter in gaming room, the wifi was NOT there or it was trouble to get a signal!...

has any of you had a problem with rovers complaining to you about the usage of internets? (this was back in 2010 when swapmeet had a big line)

The free wifi that was broadcast on the second floor concourse was free for EVERYONE. The Gaming Hall didn't have any wifi available (as sad as this makes me). I don't think our Rovers were ever told anything about the wifi, but if they were, they were mistaken.

It's on my todo list for FanimeCon 2014 - to have some kind of photo booth where cosplayers (or just friends) can go to get their picture taken. Ideally, it would be posted online free-of-charge with a small fee to get a printout (this idea isn't new). There still is time to do it this year, but with the construction taking up as much space as it did, it's better to wait and see what space we have for next year's convention.

Does anyone know when the press FAQ/application is going to come out? I was hoping it would be out with attendee reg.

Looking to get the ProReg FAQ up as soon as we put the finishing touches on it. No ETA right now, but I'll make a post.

Thank you for your reply, but I am confused by your last comments.
I never ment to sound like I wanted Fanime to "disband" I love this convention and I hope to see it continue into the future. Just confused by what you ment...anyways, thank you for your response.

I wasn't implying that you said that (because you didn't!). I was just stating that we read all feedback, regardless of how fair/unfair/good/bad/outrageous they may be. :)

Keep in mind that not one person/department/division is responsible of the website - there is the actual front end of the website (our Webteam department), content (numerous departments + our Content department for text checking), registration website (our Registration department), and our housing website (an external company that works very hard for everyone).*

I don't really want to get too much into the details (as some of it is regarding details of personal lives - not mine) but there were numerous issues with getting the websites together. As stated, some were for personal reasons (FanimeCon is a volunteer job for all of us so most of the staff have full jobs and school hours), some were just us dropping the ball (small and big things), and some were a bit of both. Everything we do is a learning experience and we've already taken measures to prevent what happened this year from happening again.

I don't know if this answer is what you were looking for ("the real scoop"), but everything at FanimeCon is a team effort and we are continually learning as a team to improve every aspect of FanimeCon. We are always looking for new staff members (the staff website will be up later) and we do read all feedback that we get (even the ones from people telling us to "quit doing FanimeCon" ;)).

*Like all speeches where a list of people are mentioned, I've left out a bunch (I'm sure).

Okay, then maybe putting the website up before registration opens. That way if there's a bad link it can be checked in advance.

The hotel website is on a completely separate link from the FanimeCon websites. There was the main button on our website that had the wrong link, which was fixed fairly quickly. However, the cache on our website was so good that it kept the link even after it was changed. :(

One idea was just to do a soft opening of the Registration website in the future, since it doesn't matter who actually registers first. :P

It was probably written in advance as the website was being set up.

I thought so but I wanted to make sure.

So we use a web plugin to make our posts. We had a bunch of placeholder posts while we were designing the website and it looks like our webmaster just edited the joke posts instead of deleting and making new posts. I was worried that you'd somehow see our joke posts*.

*It was mainly lawlcats and random meme images online with placeholder text.

This list was requested by numerous members so that they could better plan out where they want to stay. I have listed a summary below*.

Hilton San Jose: $88 to $122
San Jose Marriott Downtown: $79 to $159
Hyatt Place San Jose Downtown: $112 to $112
The Sainte Claire Hotel: $82 to $150
The Fairmont San Jose: $89 to $115
Ramada San Jose: $67 to $72
Holiday Inn San Jose Airport: $79 to $89
Radisson Hotel San Jose: $79 to $79
DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose: $86 to $89

*Doesn't include any taxes or other fees. Deposits range per hotel.

You don't need your ID to register online, but your full legal name. You will need to login, however.

Is there any way we can access the website to double check our login?  I do not remember my login password and may have to reset it.  I'm sure this is probably the same for many others who have not logged in in a year!

You will have to recreate your login for the attendee website and will not need to have a login for the hotel website.

[FanimeCon 2013 Attendee Registration FAQ]

FanimeCon 2013 Attendee Registration FAQ

Note: FanimeCon 2013 Registration will be moved from the convention center to the Regency and Imperial Ballrooms of the Fairmont San Jose

FanimeCon Registration Official 2013 hours

Thursday: 7pm-10pm
Friday: 8am-7pm
Saturday: 8am-7pm
Sunday: 8am-7pm
Monday: 8am-12pm

FanimeCon 2013 Prices:

FanimeCon 2013 At-Con Registration
Full Weekend (Friday through Monday): $65
Friday: $35
Saturday: $40
Sunday: $40
Monday: $30
Half-weekend (Sunday and Monday): $55
Children (10 and under): Free with paid membership

Please note that prices and dates are subject to change.

FanimeCon 2013 Pre-Registration
(Full Weekend only)
$50     Launch through February 14, 2013
$55     February 15, 2013 through February 28, 2013
$60     March 1, 2013 through March 31, 2013

FanimeCon 2013 Early Registration
(Full Weekend only)
$65     April 1, 2013 through mid-May 2013 (exact date TBD)

Pre-Registration
Q: What is Pre-Registration?

A: Pre-Registration is the initial period of online registration.

Q: When/Where can I pick up my membership for Pre-Registration?

A: Pre-Registration members can pick up their badges starting on Thursday, May 23, 2013; they will not be mailed beforehand. You can pick up your badge at the Pre-Registration/Early Registration area in the Imperial and Fairmont Regency ballrooms of the Fairmont Hotel. Please note that this location is different from previous years due to construction in the San Jose Convention Center.

Q: So I pre-registered, but does that mean that I HAVE to pick up my badge on Thursday?
A: No, Thursday is an additional day for Pre-Registration members to pick up their badge. You can pick up your badge from Thursday-Monday during the hours Registration is open.

Q: I pre-registered at the convention last year and was wondering how I am able to confirm that.

A: If you pre-registered for FanimeCon 2013 at FanimeCon 2012, your account information will be available soon. 
Q: Is there Pre-Registration for one-day memberships?

A: We do not offer online registration for one-day memberships. To purchase a one-day membership, please come on the day you wish to attend FanimeCon and wait in the At-Con registration line to purchase it.


Early Registration
Q: What is Early Registration?

A: Early Registration is the final period of online registration. As with Pre-Registration, you can only purchase Full Weekend memberships.

Q: When/Where do I go to pick up my membership for Early Registration?

A: Early Registration members can pick up their badge starting on Thursday, May 23, 2013 (please see the info about Thursday pickup above). Badges will not be mailed beforehand. You can pick up your badge at the Pre-Registration/Early Registration area in the Imperial and Fairmont Regency ballrooms of the Fairmont Hotel. Please note that this location is different from previous years due to construction in the San Jose Convention Center.

Q: Is there Early Registration for one-day memberships?

A: We do not offer online registration for one-day memberships. To purchase a one-day membership, please come on the day you wish to attend FanimeCon and wait in the At-Con registration line to purchase it.

Group Registration
Q: What is Group Registration?

A: It is online registration for groups. This is so that one person, the group leader, can pay collectively for a group of people. Note that badge pickup is different for Group Registration. It still constitutes as Pre/Early Registration, depending on when you registered.

Q: Do we get discounts?

A: There are no discounts for group registration.

Q: Who can pick up the collective group's badges? What does the leader need to pick up the badges?

A: Only the group leader can pick up the group's badges. To prevent theft, no one else may pick up the group's badges. The group leader must have either a current student ID or a valid government-issued photo ID during pick-up, otherwise no one in the group can pick up their badges. FanimeCon is not responsible for the distribution of the badges to the group members. Any lost badges will result in a reprinting fee.

Q: How long is Group Registration offered for?

A: It will be offered online only during Pre/Early Registration dates. When purchasing memberships during At-Con Registration, you must register separately, but you may pay collectively.

At-Con Registration
Q: What is At-Con Registration?

A: At-Con memberships range from Full Weekend to one-day memberships. These memberships are purchased during FanimeCon 2013, hence the phrase "At-Con."

Q: When/Where do I go to purchase my membership for At-Con Registration?

A: You can purchase your FanimeCon 2013 membership starting on Friday, May 24, 2013, in the At-Con registration line.

Q: Is this the only time I can purchase one-day memberships?

A: Yes. One-day memberships are only available during At-Con Registration.

Q: If I buy a one-day membership but I want to come back for more days, what should I do?

A: During FanimeCon 2013, please come to Registration and let the staff know that you wish to upgrade your badge.

Q: Are kids 10 and under free?

A: Yes, children 10 and under are free with a paid adult membership. However, they still need a badge. To get a Child Membership, you will need to register in the At-Con registration line.

Q: What are the hours for At-Con Registration?

A: TBA

Payment
Q: What forms of payment do you accept for online registration?

A: The online registration system accepts major credit cards through PayPal. You do not need an account to use PayPal, just a debit/credit card. We will not be accepting checks for online registration this year.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept for At-Con Registration?

A: For At-Con Registration, we will accept cash, checks, and credit/debit cards except for American Express.

Q: So I made an online registration account before the price deadline but didn't pay, and now it's after the deadline. When I pay, will I pay the amount before the deadline, or the current price?

A: You will have to pay the current membership price, not the price from when your account was made.

Q: I registered online and already paid, but I can't make it to FanimeCon 2013 anymore. Can I get a refund or could I give my membership to a friend?

A: Memberships are non-transferrable and non-refundable, as stated during checkout.


Pick-Up for Pre/Early Registration Badges
Q: What time/days is Registration open at FanimeCon?

A: We will be open from Thursday through Monday of FanimeCon. Thursday is exclusively for Pre-Registration members to pick-up their badges. Times will be announced later.

Q: What do I need to pick up my badge if I purchased my membership online?

A: Please bring a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport, driver's license, or state-issued photo ID card) or a current Student ID. You will also need to bring the electronic postcard that will be attached to your registration account before FanimeCon. (Driver's/Learner's Permit and Birth Certificates do not count as valid government-issued photo ID.)

Q: Wait, I can use my Student ID to pick up my badge?
A: Yes, we will be accepting current Student IDs this year.

Q: What is the electronic postcard?

A: It is a document that lists your registration information. It will be available to you closer to FanimeCon – we will email you and make an announcement. Make sure to print out the electronic postcard and bring it with you to pick up your badge.

Q: I am under 18 and do not have a driver's license or passport – what do I do?

A: All FanimeCon members must have either a student ID or a valid government-issued photo ID. If an attendee is under 18 and does not have either a government-issued photo ID or student ID, they can still pick up their badge if their parent or legal guardian accompanies them to Registration. The parent or legal guardian must have a valid government-issued photo ID that is consistent with the information listed on the attendee's registration. The parent or legal guardian is not required to purchase a badge and does not need to accompany the attendee at all times, but will still be responsible for the attendee's behavior and actions.

Q: I am a parent or legal guardian that accompanied my child to pick up their badge; can I still accompany my child without purchasing a membership?

A: You are welcome to accompany your child throughout the convention concourse and video screening rooms. However, you will not be able to enter special events or badged areas (such as MusicFest, Black & White Ball, or the Gaming Hall) without purchasing your own membership.

Q: Are badges mailed to my address, or do I have to pick them up?

A: FanimeCon does not mail badges, so you will need to pick them up during the hours Registration is open.

Q: I can't make it to the hours of Registration. Can I have a friend pick up my badge for me?

A: We do not allow people to pick up other people's badges. The only exception is Group Registration, where the group leader picks up all badges.

Miscellaneous
Q: Can I come on Thursday to purchase memberships?

A: No, Thursday is only for Pre-Registration members who have already paid online and wish to pick up their badge at that time.

Q: I registered online, but my information has changed/is different from what is on my identification/I want to change my information. What do I do?

A: If you have a registration account but have not purchased your membership, you may edit your information by clicking on the appropriate boxes. If you have already purchased your membership, please email Registration at [email protected] for help.

Q: Why does my information need to match my ID?

A: This is so we can verify that the person on the badge is actually you. Without confirmation, we cannot give you your badge.

Q: What is the "Name on Badge"?

A: It's a secondary name that can be a nickname. It is optional, but please note it must be family appropriate. This was formerly known as a "fan name." Your legal first and last name will still be displayed on the badge in addition to your "Name on Badge".

Q: I have a 2-year-old child. Do I still have to pay for a Full Weekend membership?

A: Child Memberships are for children 10 and younger at the time of FanimeCon, and are free with a paid adult membership and are valid for the entire weekend. The child must be present while they register their information at FanimeCon and they must be accompanied at all times by their parent or legal guardian. If you need to acquire a Child Membership, please let a Registration Staff member know.

Q: I am buying a membership for someone else; whose name do I put on it? Mine, or the person I am buying it for?

A: Because this is a membership, please put the person's name that is attending FanimeCon. Please do NOT put the name of the credit/debit cardholder. FanimeCon memberships are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Q: Do I HAVE to put my real name?

A: Because we check for a valid government-issued photo ID or student ID when you pick up your membership, the legal names MUST match or we will not release the membership badge to you.

Q: I registered online but I can't make it to FanimeCon 2013, even though I already paid. Do you give refunds?

A: Refunds are not issued for memberships, as stated during checkout.

Q: I registered online but I can't make it to FanimeCon 2013, even though I already paid. Can I transfer my membership to someone else?

A: Memberships are non-transferrable, as stated during checkout.

Wait ... where is this FAQ going to be?  lol.  Is it something that goes up on Fanime.com or is it posted here in the forums?

It'll be posted on the forums soon (working on it after I make this reply) and then on the website when it goes live.

[edit: http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,17900.0.html . Locking this thread.]

I like this suggestion for earlier registration. If that doesn't work though, having the info on pricing is more important to me at least. Also, not having registration on a weekday. Lots of people have school and are forced to either skip classes or miss out on a hotel room.

Completely understand that having it on a weekday isn't ideal, but we do this because this is the best time we can get support from everyone. Keep in mind that an external company (CMR) handles our hotel housing and it's important that they (along with each hotel) is able to provide support when you are trying to book a hotel room. When we were less popular, we opened hotel registration on Friday and support wasn't able to provide enough support for everyone until Monday (which caused more frustration among everyone). This isn't to say that this is any one person/group's fault, but it's always going to be difficult to find a medium that works best for everyone. We will keep trying though. :)

FAQ will be going up tomorrow.  ;)

Tomorrow as in Thursday?  Will it be up before registration and housing go live, or is it going up at the same time?

Tomorrow as in today. Once I get a break from actual work, I'll post it. :)

I keep forgetting that the Fanime staff have real jobs and lives to attend to- not just work on comparatively menial(but time-consuming) tasks such as updating a webpage or do paperwork for an event they probably wont get to spend too much time enjoying themselves...

I did get to see the founder last year though at teh front of the con :]

Random Fun Fact: Marketing was thinking about having a scavenger hunt to find the division heads and convention chairs one year. The idea failed when (during the planning phase) we realized that this would make getting to any emergencies a bit more difficult when one/some/all of us were stopped every second to mark a scavenger page. :P

(Yes, I'm making a suggestion on these forums.)

(Yes, it is a serious suggestion.)

I just wanted to get this post up so that everyone can see it. We are truly sorry for the delays that have happened with the FanimeCon attendee and hotel registration. As always, there is a plan of action in place to prevent this from happening, but things tend to not go as planned. This doesn't mean that we shouldn't continue to improve the process and meet our end goal of opening up SOONER and have MORE hotel rooms and MORE programming for everyone!

Keep in mind that if you leave any message for us via @FanimeCon (Twitter) or on our Facebook wall (or even a message to us), we read each and every one.

I wish we could do live streaming, but it would cost too much to be worth it (balancing events+new events vs streaming). It's always an interesting thing to get a price check and then realize that there is a lot more potential in using those funds to create/improve new events (Fanimaid Cafe, Black & White Ball, etc.).

Maybe its just me, but streaming live events like stage zero, cosplay spectaculer,etc kind of defeates the point of going to fanime.

Why would some one watch that for free when I took time off and payed for my bagde, room, and other travel expenses.

Now I have no problem if the videos where shown after the event or Fanime. That would be nice to see a recap of things.

I think it mainly fits into these three categories:
1) Those that couldn't attend FanimeCon.
2) When the event becomes too packed.
3) When people would prefer to watch the event from their computers on the concourse, in their hotel room, wherever else they may have internet.

Alright, thank you! But just to clarify, if you keep this rule this year, would my parent have to get a convention badge?

Unfortunately, yes. Our Artist Alley department is always looking into possibly changing the rules, though. However, it is almost always safe to assume that the rules will mostly stay similar to the previous years.